Journal Entry 9: Focus. I’m, Trying.
Jesus, if you’re not in it; I don’t want it.
Journal Entry 9: Focus. I’m, Trying.
Anxiety, worry, fear, name it one or all of them. I have been facing this issue for some time now. Until recently maybe a few weeks, when I decided no more of this. I’m going to rely on and trust that Jesus loves me. Most of anxious issue comes from me not wanting to fail Jesus, my family, or those I’m trying to help. Do I still have these struggles, yes, for sure. The difference is how I deal with them. Mentally and emotionally, I hand them over to Jesus. Sometimes I have to do this several times a day. I keep refocusing on Jesus. The attacks on my faith and me in general will never truly stop until I’m in heaven. The good news, Jesus will never stop being there, now and in eternity, Jesus will be there.
This topic comes up today; because, I caught myself again letting anxiety flow in. I’m trying to figure out the best path for me and mine with Jesus and its not being easy. I didn’t think it would be as life is rarely easy. I’m still praying, got me a ‘War Room’ (a good movie to watch) prayer up, and I’m testing different options. Right now I’m tired! But I have to keep going, I need to keep going, and I know Jesus is with me. Jesus loves us. In the tired, difficult, times remember and lean on the truth, Jesus loves us.
Keeping my focus on Jesus hasn’t been easy. We live in a busy world with a lot of demands and a lot of distractions.
Random Gamer Thought: There was a video game I use to play that allowed you to learn a low level spell I rarely used. The spell summoned a light that would point you in the right direction of whatever quest you were on. In the game it was almost useless to me; because, I knew what to do or at least had a decent idea. Real life is a lot more chaotic. How nice would it be, if we said a prayer, and the Holy Spirit showed up like a directional beam of light showing us what we should do/where we should go? Sounds good, but I haven’t figured that particular prayer out yet. What we can do is try to keep our focus on Jesus, remember Jesus loves us. Pray, and try to figure out this thing called life out.
1. Bible reading or listening. Each morning on my way to work I listen to my Bible on Audible. This isn’t as good as sitting down and focusing on God’s word. I know, and I agree. Yet don’t let yourself fall into excuses that stop you from doing what you can. I can listen to the Bible on my way to work, and it does help. This is better than nothing, and excuses would only serve to hold me back.
2. Try to end your day with some Christian reading. Right now I’m reading “The Bible Recap” by: Tara-Leigh Cobble. It’s not the Bible, but a person’s perspective of God’s word. I have found that reading books written by Christian scholars on the Bible helps me see and understand some things better. WARNING: I make this point with a warning; because, some people who write books based on Christianity will have bias and or put in concepts that God did not. Be sure, when reading anything, my stuff included, that you do your research. Go back to The Bible, and make sure what you’re studying is grounded in God’s word. Some trusted authors I can give you are two of my favorites: John Eldredge and C. S. Lewis.
3. Christian music can be helpful. Christian music, for me, is uplifting and focuses my thoughts towards Jesus. I like a variety of music, but if I’m wanting/needing focus on Jesus I’m going to Christian music. There’s so much variety in Christian music these days you’re likely to find something you like.
4. Be thankful to Jesus. Tell Jesus what you’re thankful for. Your life could be going to crap, and still I bet you have things you could be thankful for. We all, I’m assuming, have horrible moments in our lives. This is a world broken by sin after all. Still, say his name, Jesus, and look for him.
In “The Bible Recap” the author gave a good point. We are deserving of nothing but death. It’s a bit sad and depressing to say, yes, but it’s true. All of us our sinners. I fall short of Holiness every day. We all do to one level or another. We deserve only death, but God gives us so much more. Jesus has saved us, rescued us, and makes a way for us. We are loved, fought for, and chased after and we don’t deserve it. Yet, Jesus loves us. Every breath we take is a gift. Even when each breath is a count down to our last. We, by Jesus, are promised so much more than this life. Warm sunlight, a cool breeze, beauty in a flower, majesty within a giant oak, and a billion stars in our night sky are all things to be thankful for. Coffee is my personal favorite. (I’m drinking a cup while writing this.)
To help me focus on Jesus I start something as simple as telling him, ‘Thank you.’